Joel Moore
Pride parades all over the world have been canceled due to COVID-19, but that’s not going to stop this young man and his boyfriend from celebrating in the comfort of their own home. The times may be different and have affected us all, but this funny, grounded and genuine blogger keeps on pushing through, raising his voice in support of his black and LGBTQ+ communities. To create a safe and healthy place for his followers to educate themselves on this important issue. For this week’s feature on TheCornerZine, you’ll have to keep on reading to meet this light of joy, Joel Moore!
First things first, guide me through your blogging experience. Where, when and how did you start out?
I started blogging in 2012, but I actually started to take it seriously in 2013. It really began after my freshman year of college. I moved back home to Raleigh, North Carolina for the summer and was hired at the same job I worked during high school (Journeys Kidz). I took it just to make some extra money, before returning to New York City for school in the autumn. I even decided to get a second job at Forever 21, because living in New York isn’t cheap! So every day, whether I was working at Forever 21 or Journeys Kidz, the highlight of my day was dressing up for work. My parents started noticing how my style had changed and would actually help take my photos. Little did they know I was uploading those pictures on Instagram and they were receiving a great response! That's when I decided that I wanted there to be a story as to why I dress the way I do, or what inspires me. So, that's when my blog “Moore His Style” was born.
In the future, I’d love to partner with a big retailer on a sustainable unisex line.
Did you imagine yourself making a career out of it? What did you dream of being when you grew up?
I never thought in a million years that I’d create a career out of blogging. Back in 2013, social media wasn't even a thing. In fact, even though people had Instagram, they didn't fully understand it. So, when companies started reaching out, I was overwhelmed! I remember when I booked my first real social media campaign with Old Spice. I probably had less than 5,000 followers on Instagram and less than 1,000 subscribed to my blog. They loved the content I was creating at the time and wanted me to promote their new scent. So they sent me a press package and paid me after the content was created. If I remember correctly I think it was around $300 for one Instagram post. I was so excited. I didn't even negotiate it, I couldn't believe it was real. Anyhow, while I've always enjoyed fashion, I never thought that it’d be a part of my job. I always wanted to be an actor, whether on Broadway or TV, as I was in theatre classes from middle school and throughout high school.
Joel, being from the South, specifically from Raleigh (North Carolina), how has this influenced you? Do you still have a deep connection with it there, and does your family still reside in Raleigh?
I loved growing up in North Carolina. Still to this day, when I visit all my family and a few friends who still live there, I honestly enjoy it. In fact, I wouldn't be opposed to moving back to start a family there. The city is constantly growing, there's so much diversity in Raleigh. Whether you want to go to the beach, up to the mountains, or go ride horses in the country, we truly have it all. I’ll forever be connected to Raleigh.
When I learned you were from Raleigh, it made me smile, as I appreciate how you left North Carolina for a life in the big city, because I did the opposite. I wasn’t allowed, as I was on the younger side, to go to a college in the city, which has always been a part of my dream. So, I left New York completely and went down to High Point, North Carolina. Just as my experience was well what felt like a culture shock, I’m sure you can say the same. So Joel, tell me, was your big move to NYC as shocking?
See, I love how you left New York. Yes, it's one of the best cities on earth, but why not take a chance and experience something new? I've met people born and raised in New York who say they'll never leave, and I always find odd the idea of staying in the same place your entire life. I first came to New York City, at 16 years old, with my theater class, and I was sold. Granted, we stayed in Times Square and did all of the touristy stuff. So I wasn't experiencing the real New York City, but I knew I wanted to live here. For that reason, when two years later I officially moved here for LIM College, it wasn't a complete fish-out-of-water experience. I moved straight into a dorm and was with other kids of my age who were from all over the U.S.
Being a blogger in New York City is fabulous, but all your followers and I would like to know the truth, how is it really? Give us the real backstage view of it!
People think that, when you're a blogger, your life is fabulous 24/7, but that’s so far from the truth. Of course, there's moments like fashion week when there's a lot of shows/parties and you're getting your picture taken on the street, but it's actually exhausting. I remember when a friend came to visit me in NYC during fashion week and she thought it was going to be so exciting, but she couldn't even make it through the entire day. Fashion week is really the only time I have jam packed days.
Walk me, from start to finish, through your process of creating and generating content for your blog and Instagram account.
Whenever I'm shooting for my blog or Instagram, especially if it's for a project, I think it out from start to finish. Let's say I book a gig, it always starts with four to five emails of conversation/negotiation. Then there's a contract, which holds a due date. While the products are making their way to me, I brainstorm of how and where I want to shoot the product. Then, there's the editing process and submitting the photos to the brand for approval. This is when the brand decides if your content needs to be reshot or if your wording needs to be edited. I've had to do a few reshoots and I've even had projects that were cancelled after shooting and submitting the photos, it's the worst!
I really admire your photography style, that you display on your Instagram account. Who takes your photos?
Thank you, I appreciate that! It all depends, though. Ever since we've been quarantined, my boyfriend has had to step up his game, but he doesn't mind helping. I've had ideas in my head as to how I'd want something shot and then he'll make a suggestion as to how it should be shot. We usually shoot both ways, but 80% of the time I like his idea better. Sometimes I'll have zero shame and set up my tripod, but before COVID-19 I typically shot with three photographers: Freddy Merizalde, Asia Minor, and Mimi Abintra. I love mixing up my feed, and they all shot in completely different ways.
Let’s jump back to the earlier years. How did you develop your aesthetic style, and would you say it’s changed and evolved throughout the years?
My style is completely different from back in the day, but also the same, if that makes any sense. I'm still sticking with my aesthetic of blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear, which I’ve refined it over time.
During this uncertain, tough time of being quarantined, what’s something you’ve learned about yourself or your partner? How about a new hobby or activity that you’ve started for the first time or picked back up again? In all, what has it made you realise and be grateful for?
It's tough being quarantined. I'm not being selfish and whining about not going to restaurants and bars (which I've been seeing a lot of), the hardest part for me is not being able to see my friends, give them hugs and just hang out! Anyway, my boyfriend and I are homebodies and enjoy spending time with each other. Since being quarantined, I don't think there’s ever been a time where I've been truly annoyed with him. It's funny, because whenever we need something from the store or need to run a quick errand, only one of us goes. I'm pretty sure we're subconsciously giving each other a small window of space. In all, I'm very grateful for my health and my friends, family/loved ones, who have been keeping me sane through FaceTime and texts.
Joel, your Instagram bio reads: “Blurring the lines between menswear & womenswear". Talk to me about this. What does that mean to you, and how have you done exactly that through clothing to create your own style?
“Blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear” is how I’d describe my personal style. I love to take women's pieces, that technically could be unisex, and blur them within men’s pieces. For example, I might wear a black blazer that's women's, pair it with a men’s graphic T-shirt and tuck that T-shirt into women's trousers. Do you know how many times I've worn women’s trousers on Instagram tagging the brand and a guy has messaged me saying how they couldn't find them on the brand’s website? Then I always have to explain that they’re on the website, but just under the women's section. Leaving them shocked and opening a conversation about how gender-based clothing doesn't actually matter!
I want to dive more deeply into the inclusivity, genderless fashion and the LGBTQ+ community, since it’s Pride Month and all! (Smiles, E.D). How has finding this community changed your life for the better?
I love that we take a month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! It makes me so happy that companies are using their voices and platforms to support LGBTQ+ people. It blows my mind that same-sex marriage was legalised only five years ago. Also, a few days ago we found out the Supreme Court ruled the LGBTQ+ community is now protected under the Civil Rights Act. We've fought so hard, but we still have so much more work to do. There's so many organisations that support the LGBTQ+ community and help the youth, like "It Gets Better Project". With these organisations, we're changing the narrative for future generations.
On a more personal, sensitive note, would you tell me about your experience when you finally felt brave and free enough to come out to your friends and family?
My friends have always known that I was gay. It's funny, because I'm pretty sure they knew before my family. Not to mention, I'm the youngest of three children and we're all gay. When people say being gay is a choice, I literally laugh in their face, because I'm the prime example of gay genetic makeup. Of course, being the baby in my family, coming out wasn't as hard as it was for my older brother or sister. I think my parents would’ve been more surprised if I told them I were straight. Nonetheless, they support and love me 100%. I was reading a tweet the other day that said: "If the sexual orientation of your child is going to be an issue for you, then don't have children", and I couldn't agree more.
Over the years living in NYC, have you participated in the the Pride parade? I can say that I absolutely love to watch this parade, it makes me so happy to see people truly being themselves celebrating their life as how it should be! New York City just seems a whole lot happier then! Anyway, how does this celebratory parade make you feel?
When I first moved to New York City, I attended the Pride parade for a couple of years. Unfortunately, over time I've noticed my anxiety getting in the way of attending anything public with huge crowds. So, now my idea of celebrating consists of posting online, supporting and donating to non-profit LGBTQ+ organisations, and attending small LGBTQ+ events within the Brooklyn community.
To finish up with this topic, what’s still one thing you’d like to see happen for, or within, the LGBTQ+ community?
Oh god, there are so many things that need to progress within the LGBTQ+ community, but I'll try to keep it simple and short. One that comes to mind is making it easier for same-sex couples to adopt. Another is having gay people able to donate blood. It blows my mind: first, how do you know if someone is gay or not? Secondly, there's a lot of so-called straight men who secretly have slept with other men…I'm just going to leave that there!
By being a blogger and a man of colour, you have a voice and, with 68.5K followers on Instagram, a massive outreach and platform to use at your finger tips. Regarding the “Black Lives Matter” protests happening all over the U.S. and world, how has this sort of wake-up call to the rest of the world made you feel? Did or do you feel a sense of responsibility to your followers to speak up on the matter and educate them?
I feel a huge responsibility to use my black voice on social media in regards to Black Lives Matter and what's right. I've been sharing many black-owned companies, black authors, black movies and black music on my social media. As well as petitions to sign and organisations to donate to. I've also made it a point that this isn't a trend, it's a 365 thing!
Continuing with this topic, what do you think about how the blogger world community has responded to this? Do you think using social networks are and have been an effective tool in the fight against discrimination?
Sharing this on social media has been great in the blogging world/community. I have a few blogger friends who reach out before they share something just to make sure they’re saying the right thing or giving the right information. For me, it's been nice to have these open conversations with followers as to how they can do better and support the black community.
Looking ahead, what’s one thing you’d like to see happen in your future?
In the future, I’d love to partner with a big retailer on a sustainable unisex line. That's one of my biggest dreams. Ideally, I’d love for it to be successful enough where each season I'm designing a new collection. Obviously, I'm not a designer. So I’d probably partner with my brother on this, because he studied fashion design at Savannah College of Art and Design and also has his own line called, “JNIGEL”.
Did you imagine yourself making a career out of it? What did you dream of being when you grew up?
I never thought in a million years that I’d create a career out of blogging. Back in 2013, social media wasn't even a thing. In fact, even though people had Instagram, they didn't fully understand it. So, when companies started reaching out, I was overwhelmed! I remember when I booked my first real social media campaign with Old Spice. I probably had less than 5,000 followers on Instagram and less than 1,000 subscribed to my blog. They loved the content I was creating at the time and wanted me to promote their new scent. So they sent me a press package and paid me after the content was created. If I remember correctly I think it was around $300 for one Instagram post. I was so excited. I didn't even negotiate it, I couldn't believe it was real. Anyhow, while I've always enjoyed fashion, I never thought that it’d be a part of my job. I always wanted to be an actor, whether on Broadway or TV, as I was in theatre classes from middle school and throughout high school.
Joel, being from the South, specifically from Raleigh (North Carolina), how has this influenced you? Do you still have a deep connection with it there, and does your family still reside in Raleigh?
I loved growing up in North Carolina. Still to this day, when I visit all my family and a few friends who still live there, I honestly enjoy it. In fact, I wouldn't be opposed to moving back to start a family there. The city is constantly growing, there's so much diversity in Raleigh. Whether you want to go to the beach, up to the mountains, or go ride horses in the country, we truly have it all. I’ll forever be connected to Raleigh.
When I learned you were from Raleigh, it made me smile, as I appreciate how you left North Carolina for a life in the big city, because I did the opposite. I wasn’t allowed, as I was on the younger side, to go to a college in the city, which has always been a part of my dream. So, I left New York completely and went down to High Point, North Carolina. Just as my experience was well what felt like a culture shock, I’m sure you can say the same. So Joel, tell me, was your big move to NYC as shocking?
See, I love how you left New York. Yes, it's one of the best cities on earth, but why not take a chance and experience something new? I've met people born and raised in New York who say they'll never leave, and I always find odd the idea of staying in the same place your entire life. I first came to New York City, at 16 years old, with my theater class, and I was sold. Granted, we stayed in Times Square and did all of the touristy stuff. So I wasn't experiencing the real New York City, but I knew I wanted to live here. For that reason, when two years later I officially moved here for LIM College, it wasn't a complete fish-out-of-water experience. I moved straight into a dorm and was with other kids of my age who were from all over the U.S.
Being a blogger in New York City is fabulous, but all your followers and I would like to know the truth, how is it really? Give us the real backstage view of it!
People think that, when you're a blogger, your life is fabulous 24/7, but that’s so far from the truth. Of course, there's moments like fashion week when there's a lot of shows/parties and you're getting your picture taken on the street, but it's actually exhausting. I remember when a friend came to visit me in NYC during fashion week and she thought it was going to be so exciting, but she couldn't even make it through the entire day. Fashion week is really the only time I have jam packed days.
Walk me, from start to finish, through your process of creating and generating content for your blog and Instagram account.
Whenever I'm shooting for my blog or Instagram, especially if it's for a project, I think it out from start to finish. Let's say I book a gig, it always starts with four to five emails of conversation/negotiation. Then there's a contract, which holds a due date. While the products are making their way to me, I brainstorm of how and where I want to shoot the product. Then, there's the editing process and submitting the photos to the brand for approval. This is when the brand decides if your content needs to be reshot or if your wording needs to be edited. I've had to do a few reshoots and I've even had projects that were cancelled after shooting and submitting the photos, it's the worst!
I really admire your photography style, that you display on your Instagram account. Who takes your photos?
Thank you, I appreciate that! It all depends, though. Ever since we've been quarantined, my boyfriend has had to step up his game, but he doesn't mind helping. I've had ideas in my head as to how I'd want something shot and then he'll make a suggestion as to how it should be shot. We usually shoot both ways, but 80% of the time I like his idea better. Sometimes I'll have zero shame and set up my tripod, but before COVID-19 I typically shot with three photographers: Freddy Merizalde, Asia Minor, and Mimi Abintra. I love mixing up my feed, and they all shot in completely different ways.
Let’s jump back to the earlier years. How did you develop your aesthetic style, and would you say it’s changed and evolved throughout the years?
My style is completely different from back in the day, but also the same, if that makes any sense. I'm still sticking with my aesthetic of blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear, which I’ve refined it over time.
During this uncertain, tough time of being quarantined, what’s something you’ve learned about yourself or your partner? How about a new hobby or activity that you’ve started for the first time or picked back up again? In all, what has it made you realise and be grateful for?
It's tough being quarantined. I'm not being selfish and whining about not going to restaurants and bars (which I've been seeing a lot of), the hardest part for me is not being able to see my friends, give them hugs and just hang out! Anyway, my boyfriend and I are homebodies and enjoy spending time with each other. Since being quarantined, I don't think there’s ever been a time where I've been truly annoyed with him. It's funny, because whenever we need something from the store or need to run a quick errand, only one of us goes. I'm pretty sure we're subconsciously giving each other a small window of space. In all, I'm very grateful for my health and my friends, family/loved ones, who have been keeping me sane through FaceTime and texts.
Joel, your Instagram bio reads: “Blurring the lines between menswear & womenswear". Talk to me about this. What does that mean to you, and how have you done exactly that through clothing to create your own style?
“Blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear” is how I’d describe my personal style. I love to take women's pieces, that technically could be unisex, and blur them within men’s pieces. For example, I might wear a black blazer that's women's, pair it with a men’s graphic T-shirt and tuck that T-shirt into women's trousers. Do you know how many times I've worn women’s trousers on Instagram tagging the brand and a guy has messaged me saying how they couldn't find them on the brand’s website? Then I always have to explain that they’re on the website, but just under the women's section. Leaving them shocked and opening a conversation about how gender-based clothing doesn't actually matter!
I want to dive more deeply into the inclusivity, genderless fashion and the LGBTQ+ community, since it’s Pride Month and all! (Smiles, E.D). How has finding this community changed your life for the better?
I love that we take a month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! It makes me so happy that companies are using their voices and platforms to support LGBTQ+ people. It blows my mind that same-sex marriage was legalised only five years ago. Also, a few days ago we found out the Supreme Court ruled the LGBTQ+ community is now protected under the Civil Rights Act. We've fought so hard, but we still have so much more work to do. There's so many organisations that support the LGBTQ+ community and help the youth, like "It Gets Better Project". With these organisations, we're changing the narrative for future generations.
On a more personal, sensitive note, would you tell me about your experience when you finally felt brave and free enough to come out to your friends and family?
My friends have always known that I was gay. It's funny, because I'm pretty sure they knew before my family. Not to mention, I'm the youngest of three children and we're all gay. When people say being gay is a choice, I literally laugh in their face, because I'm the prime example of gay genetic makeup. Of course, being the baby in my family, coming out wasn't as hard as it was for my older brother or sister. I think my parents would’ve been more surprised if I told them I were straight. Nonetheless, they support and love me 100%. I was reading a tweet the other day that said: "If the sexual orientation of your child is going to be an issue for you, then don't have children", and I couldn't agree more.
Over the years living in NYC, have you participated in the the Pride parade? I can say that I absolutely love to watch this parade, it makes me so happy to see people truly being themselves celebrating their life as how it should be! New York City just seems a whole lot happier then! Anyway, how does this celebratory parade make you feel?
When I first moved to New York City, I attended the Pride parade for a couple of years. Unfortunately, over time I've noticed my anxiety getting in the way of attending anything public with huge crowds. So, now my idea of celebrating consists of posting online, supporting and donating to non-profit LGBTQ+ organisations, and attending small LGBTQ+ events within the Brooklyn community.
To finish up with this topic, what’s still one thing you’d like to see happen for, or within, the LGBTQ+ community?
Oh god, there are so many things that need to progress within the LGBTQ+ community, but I'll try to keep it simple and short. One that comes to mind is making it easier for same-sex couples to adopt. Another is having gay people able to donate blood. It blows my mind: first, how do you know if someone is gay or not? Secondly, there's a lot of so-called straight men who secretly have slept with other men…I'm just going to leave that there!
By being a blogger and a man of colour, you have a voice and, with 68.5K followers on Instagram, a massive outreach and platform to use at your finger tips. Regarding the “Black Lives Matter” protests happening all over the U.S. and world, how has this sort of wake-up call to the rest of the world made you feel? Did or do you feel a sense of responsibility to your followers to speak up on the matter and educate them?
I feel a huge responsibility to use my black voice on social media in regards to Black Lives Matter and what's right. I've been sharing many black-owned companies, black authors, black movies and black music on my social media. As well as petitions to sign and organisations to donate to. I've also made it a point that this isn't a trend, it's a 365 thing!
Continuing with this topic, what do you think about how the blogger world community has responded to this? Do you think using social networks are and have been an effective tool in the fight against discrimination?
Sharing this on social media has been great in the blogging world/community. I have a few blogger friends who reach out before they share something just to make sure they’re saying the right thing or giving the right information. For me, it's been nice to have these open conversations with followers as to how they can do better and support the black community.
Looking ahead, what’s one thing you’d like to see happen in your future?
In the future, I’d love to partner with a big retailer on a sustainable unisex line. That's one of my biggest dreams. Ideally, I’d love for it to be successful enough where each season I'm designing a new collection. Obviously, I'm not a designer. So I’d probably partner with my brother on this, because he studied fashion design at Savannah College of Art and Design and also has his own line called, “JNIGEL”.
I love to take women's pieces, that technically could be unisex, and blur them within men’s pieces.